Chemistry

The Chemistry department provides instruction in a wide range of
chemistry-related fields. We serve students who intend to major in
such diverse fields as biochemistry and biotechnology, engineering,
medicine & health sciences, biology, and physics. We also offer
specialized courses for working professionals and courses designed
specifically for non-science majors.

You will find resources here for helping you succeed in your
classes. Be sure to look at the FAQ page to find commonly asked questions about
registering for classes. If you have further questions, contact the
department chair.

We look forward to helping you meet your academic and career goals.

Coming Soon: Chemistry Certificate of Achievement Fall 2018

Catalog Description

Chemistry is the investigation of matter. Grappling with the
difficult problems students will face during their lifetimes such as
the treatment of disease, assessment of environmental pollutant risk,
the challenge of feeding a growing world population, understanding the
processes that affect the Earth’s climate, and the continuous
improvement of technology all require an integrated approach to
problem solving and an understanding of chemistry. Students obtaining
a Certificate of Achievement in chemistry will develop a view of the
world around them that is shaped by their understanding of chemical
principles, physics, and the language of mathematics. During
experiences in a laboratory setting, students will practice the
scientific method to explore chemical phenomena, solve problems in a
strategic fashion, and formulate and communicate an understanding of
matter from a chemist’s perspective. Students obtaining a Certificate
of Achievement in chemistry will be prepared to transfer to a Bachelor
of Science in chemistry program at a four-year college and take upper
division chemistry coursework, enter the chemistry workforce, or
pursue opportunities where chemistry plays a role. Future careers for
students obtaining a Certificate of Achievement in chemistry, after
further education, include:

High school or middle school teacher

Physician

Patent attorney

Chemical Engineer

Criminologist

Museum Curator

Environmental Engineer

The minimum time for completion of this certificate is 4 semesters.
Completion time will vary based on student preparation and number of
units or classes completed per semester.

Core Courses (required)

Units

CHEM 101A General College Chemistry

6

CHEM 101B General College Chemistry

5

CHEM 212A Organic Chemistry

6

CHEM 212B Organic Chemistry

6

PHYC 4A + 4AL Introductory Physics + Lab

4

PHYC 4B + 4BL Introductory Physics + Lab

4

MATH 110A Calculus I

5

MATH 110B Calculus II

5

MATH 110C Calculus III

5

MATH 130 Linear Algebra with Differential Equations

5

Elective Courses (choose one)

CHEM 85 Seminar in Chemistry

1.5

BTEC 5 Briefings in Biotechnology

1

Total Units

52-52.5

Student Learning Outcomes

Assess scientific data and use those data to evaluate the quality of conclusions.